Thursday, November 4, 2010

The 40,000 square metres five-star hotel complex is situated in the newly developed Schwabinger Tor area along the northern part of the Leopoldstrasse in Munich, Germany. The challenge in the competition was to bring the architectural characteristics of Munich – with the life and atmosphere that the historic centre is known for – into the new and modern part of the city.

The design concept has its origin in three themes: the analysis of the historical city with its arches, vaults and arcades; a close relation to the masterplan with its boulevards, plazas and narrow streets; and a focus on human beings as well as the overall experience offered to the hotel guests.

The arcade motif is well known in Munich and emphasises the passage from a public plaza to the more private urban spaces. The arcade creates a semi-public space where people can sit and observe the urban life. The design integrates this architectural feature into the ground floor level of the hotel.

To the north and south of the building complex, two new urban plazas form natural entry points to the hotel and the conference centre. The entrances are accentuated in the building design by two impressive, golden vaults. For the hotel guests and the passers-by these very unique spaces offer a feeling of being part of something special. The vaults are fascinating, spacious and luxurious.

The hotel rooms have been designed to become unique. The integrated large and luxurious bathrooms appear as private spa-rooms with daylight and visual connection to the outside greenery, and the atmosphere in the hotel rooms become relaxing and impressive. The use of daylight is a general theme throughout the building complex. It offers the hotel guests a unique experience and sets a whole new standard for high-end hotels in general....more